Is a medical certificate required to be a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)?

A medical certificate is not explicitly required for a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). However, it is essential for instructional purposes that the student pilot possesses the ability to be Pilot in Command (PIC), which includes meeting the medical standards necessary to hold at least a third-class medical certificate.

This structure highlights the importance of safety and ensures that the student can independently operate the aircraft when necessary. A CFI can provide instruction without a medical certificate, as long as they are not planning to conduct flight operations where they would act as the PIC.

The context underscores the CFI’s role in training students who must meet the necessary medical standards to hold their pilot certificates, thus ensuring that safety and regulatory compliance are upheld during the training process.